Eugene Mayor Kitty Piercy says the number of homeless people in the community continues to grow and the city and county need help to address it. Eugene has pioneered programs including Opportunity Village and 5 Rest Stops that provide temporary shelter for un-housed people. Piercy says it's not enough.

Piercy: "The problem cannot be solved by local government alone. We need the entire state of Oregon, including the state agencies, the legislature and the governor's office to assist and support cities in our state that are on the forefront in dealing with this crisis, including Eugene and Portland."

The most recent one night count of homeless people in Lane County found 1,473 people. That number has actually gone down from previous years. But a recent survey found a more than 8 percent increase in homeless K through 12 students statewide.In the short term, the mayor is seeking more overnight shelter beds for the winter.

On January 28th, advocates and volunteers from 28 agencies conducted the annual homeless count in Lane County. They hit the streets and parks, looked under bridges, and checked in with shelters and churches. Lane County Human Services released the numbers Tuesday.

At one point in time, 1,473 un-housed people were counted. These are the “literally homeless” who stay in emergency transitional shelters or locations not meant for habitation-- like cars or doorways.